Military confiscates, destroys Pashto-language Bibles on Afghan base
posted at 3:16 pm on May 19, 2009 by Allahpundit
Tapper did the heavy lifting on this, including digging up the clips, so read him for full background. After the story broke, the Pentagon was quick to emphasize that none of the Bibles shown were actually distributed to the locals, but pay attention to the sergeant in the second clip describing his time in Iraq. Evidently, the controls aren’t quite as tight there. I’m curious to see what sort of inevitable pushback there’ll be in the comments as the law on this pretty clear, but one thing we might all agree on: Why’d they destroy the books instead of donating them to libraries or ministries in the United States? Surely there must be a few Pashto- or Dari-speaking Christians here who wouldn’t have minded a free Bible in their native tongue. Exit question via David Brody: Would they have burned Korans if Muslim soldiers were caught trying to hand those out?
Update: Changed the headline from “burns” to “destroys” because Brody’s the only source I’ve seen for the manner in which they destroyed.
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The last thing American soldiers should be doing in Iraq is handing out Bibles.
Dave Rywall on May 19, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Good question. Soldiers shouldn’t be proselytizing, but there’s absolutely no need to burn the Bibles rather than donate them.
Dropping them in the toilet sparks worldwide outrage and killings. I don’t want to see what happens when they’re burned.
amerpundit on May 19, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Suppression of religon
sonofdy on May 19, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Tapper always does the heavy lifting.
OT: The Texas Senate has given preliminary approval to a measure to allow college students to carry concealed handguns on campuses.
carbon_footprint on May 19, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Uh, yeah, if the military burned piles of Korans it would be a major international incident. There would be riots all across the muslim world and people would die, just like when Newsweek erroneously reported that the military flushed copies of the Koran down the toilet at Gitmo. This is bullcrap. Why in the world is it ok to offend Christians in every possible way but we have to bend backwards to avoid even the slightest appearance of maybe possibly offending Muslims? I get so sick and tired of it.
t.ferg on May 19, 2009 at 3:22 PM
How? They’re allowed to hold services on base.
Allahpundit on May 19, 2009 at 3:23 PM
The last thing American soldiers should be doing in Iraq is
handing outburning Bibles.Dave Rywall on May 19, 2009 at 3:20 PM
There, fixed it for ya!
t.ferg on May 19, 2009 at 3:23 PM
They BURNED the Bibles?
Smart move, now come weeks of riots, rampages, mayhem and murder by the southern evangelicals.
Bishop on May 19, 2009 at 3:23 PM
That’s funny. I can think of quite a few worse things.
Book burning, for instance.
Abelard on May 19, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Not as representives of the us army, but this is simply asking soldiers to ignore thier religon.
sonofdy on May 19, 2009 at 3:24 PM
The words HELL NO leap to mind.
mankai on May 19, 2009 at 3:24 PM
It pretty much is the last thing they are doing. After all the the war is over its just a peace keeping force now. So at least they are up to your standards for a change.
theguardianii on May 19, 2009 at 3:25 PM
Books are dangerous things.
mankai on May 19, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Yes but they are bound by law to hide thier religon from the locals.
That is suppression. Only the military could get away with that. It is suppression of speach. It is also a legal order I disagree with.
sonofdy on May 19, 2009 at 3:26 PM
Sure the military needs to draw a line and not cross it, but Im sick and tired of being culturally selective on which religions gets to be criticized and which gets the kid glove treatment.
On the 1st video when the reporter said “Evangelical Christians” I kind of expected to hear villain music playing underneath the video. After all Christians are “currently” the most evil and repressive force on the world stage
Give me a break
seymour on May 19, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Why? I mean, at least AllahP probably holds the same belief, but why are you so scared of the Bible?
kirkill on May 19, 2009 at 3:27 PM
WHY DID THEY DO THIS!!??
we are in the muslim lands to convert them and to consecrate them to the Lord jesus christ.
Seven Seas on May 19, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Why shouldn’t they hand out bibles? For soilders who are risking their lives to promote freedom and the American way it seems the least we can do is to allow them to proselytize a little for those who’ll listen. Its not like they are forcing them to take the bibles. Besides, if things go badly in the next few years those bibles will be worth their weight in gold to those who have them. And if Iraq and Afghanistan turn out fine that’s okay too because the more Christians anywhere in the world the better for everyone.
palarson on May 19, 2009 at 3:29 PM
The last thing American soldiers should be doing in Iraq is handing out burning Bibles.
Dave Rywall on May 19, 2009 at 3:20 PM
There, fixed it for ya!
t.ferg on May 19, 2009 at 3:23 PM
—–
Yes. Burning them was definitely a bit stupid too. Could’ve quietly donated them to a local church or something and they could have been used.
Dave Rywall on May 19, 2009 at 3:29 PM
All right there, moby.
Allahpundit on May 19, 2009 at 3:30 PM
You’re not being asked to hide your religion from the locals. You’re being asked not to try to convert the locals to your religion. Big difference.
amerpundit on May 19, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Hey Dave –
The only say you would have in what American soldiers should or should not be doing would be if they were at a base in Cananda and violating Canadian law.
kingsjester on May 19, 2009 at 3:30 PM
It pretty much is the last thing they are doing. After all the the war is over its just a peace keeping force now. So at least they are up to your standards for a change.
theguardianii on May 19, 2009 at 3:25 PM
——–
That’s funny stuff you’ve typed there with the peacekeeping bit.
Dave Rywall on May 19, 2009 at 3:30 PM
I’m guessing many of those people would be very glad to get those Bibles…
Bob's Kid on May 19, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Someone tell me this is a concern/moby troll.
amerpundit on May 19, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Well, that’s good, because they’re handing them out in Afghanistan.
Bobbertsan on May 19, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Gee, what a great bastion of freedom we’ve set up over there in Afghanistan, or something.
CP on May 19, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Having uniformed soldiers handing out Bibles gives the appearance that the US Govt is assisting or at least condoning religious proseltyzing. That’s not a good thing. Let private missionaries handle this. But I do agree the Bibles needn’t have been burned.
brak on May 19, 2009 at 3:32 PM
The best possible thing for the future of these people, is to convert away from the death cult of muhammad. If they were still Buddhists (as they were before they were converted by the scimitar), we wouldn’t even be there.
Rebar on May 19, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Kinda disagree with you on this one. Here’s the thinking: US troops should not be proselytizing, that much is law.
BUT…
The bibles were already there. Believe it or not, there are Christians in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Why not find a local congregation (a poor one without access to cheap/free bibles, preferably) and drop them off? That way, no one’s breaking any laws and you can call it a charitable donation from a church group delivered via the US Army. If you like, accept donations of the Quran for Muslim congregations, I don’t care. However you slice it, those bibles were paid for by private funds and should not have been burned. That was an unnecessary waste that could have gone towards a much better purpose someplace else.
Militant Bibliophile on May 19, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Hey Dave -
The only say you would have in what American soldiers should or should not be doing would be if they were at a base in Cananda and violating Canadian law.
kingsjester on May 19, 2009 at 3:30 PM
——-
If you don’t like having non-Americans around here, then ask Hotair to ban me.
Otherwise, don’t read my posts. And stfu.
Dave Rywall on May 19, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Government shall make rules respecting an establishment of religion, and prohibit the free exercise thereof
Daggett on May 19, 2009 at 3:32 PM
And training them to kill is not?
Tom_Shipley on May 19, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Kinda disagree with you on this one. Here’s the thinking: US troops should not be proselytizing, that much is law.
BUT…
The bibles were already there. Believe it or not, there are Christians in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Why not find a local congregation (a poor one without access to cheap/free bibles, preferably) and drop them off? That way, no one’s breaking any laws and you can call it a charitable donation from a church group delivered via the US Army. If you like, accept donations of the Quran for Muslim congregations, I don’t care. However you slice it, those bibles were paid for by private funds and should not have been burned. That was an unnecessary waste that could have gone towards a much better purpose someplace else.
Militant Bibliophile on May 19, 2009 at 3:32 PM
———
I’ve already acknowledged burning them was stupid.
Should’ve quietly donated them to a local church or something.
Dave Rywall on May 19, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Whats wrong with diversity?…
the_nile on May 19, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Whoops, looks like we’re already on the same page.
Militant Bibliophile on May 19, 2009 at 3:34 PM
There are thousands of Asian converts entering the middle east. They of course bringing bibles and do not look American and are doing the mission work. My Relatives run an arabic Christian website and serve an audience of 800,000 that go on line for evangelizm.
seven on May 19, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Well, that’s good, because they’re handing them out in Afghanistan.
Bobbertsan on May 19, 2009 at 3:31 PM
—–
Oopsie.
Good deserved smackdown.
Dave Rywall on May 19, 2009 at 3:34 PM
I believe Dave agrees with you on that.
amerpundit on May 19, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Oh well, at least we can be sure that the National Guard will follow orders – should they be ordered to seize firearms from law abiding homeowners. [See Katrina aftermath]
Don’t hand out Bibles – check.
Seize firearms from law abiding citizens’ homes – check.
OhEssYouCowboys on May 19, 2009 at 3:34 PM
I’m afraid I’m with Dave Crywall here. The military is not a crusading entity. Hershey Bars, pantyhose, and chocolates are just fine. Religious items? That’s just wrong. US troops are, and should be, free to hold religious services on the bases. But leave the ideology at the gate.
Now, if this story was about the Salvation Army passing out bibles, it would be a non-story. Except for the part where the Salvation Army workers were murdered by radical Islamists (is there any other kind?) for passing out Christian Bibles.
BobMbx on May 19, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Thomas Jefferson handed out Bibles, funded wiht US Taxpayer money, as President of the United States.
jp on May 19, 2009 at 3:34 PM
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” – Matthew 28:18 – 20
This is called “The Great Commission” and is one of the very few things Christ directly told his followers to do. Every person that is truly a follower of Christ does this.
Buford on May 19, 2009 at 3:34 PM
And that’s what I get for failing to reload the page. I’ll be sitting in my corner with a dunce cap now.
amerpundit on May 19, 2009 at 3:34 PM
OK seriously, the bibles would not be there if we were not there in a military action. They have no reason to be passing out ANY kind of religious articles. They are a military force for chrissakes not a bunch of Jesuits.
Squid Shark on May 19, 2009 at 3:35 PM
huh.
*laura bush or pelosi or western college students go to muslim lands, forced to cover head and dress “muslim”
*muslim leaders like the late bhutto or college students come here, keep head covering and full length burkas
–
*muslims allowed to have mosques in italy, visit the vatican
*christians banned from having free churches in saudi arabia, can’t even enter mecca
–
*muslims in the west are invited to every sort of ‘interfaith’ thing imaginable, including B.O.’s birth state having an “islam day”
*in the middle east, proselytizing christianity or converting to christianity is punishable by death
—-
“NEW RULES” =
1. Always accomodate Islam
2. Always apologize for Christianity
3. Always accept Islamic customs and practice these yourself to ‘win hearts and minds’
4. Never expect Western customs to be followed.
BULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
battleoflepanto1571 on May 19, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Let’s face it. Muslims proscelitize wherever they go.
We lose a lot of rights when we join the military, but I think our freedom of religion and property rights don’t get left at the recruiting office door. This was wrong in so many ways it is pathetic.
TimothyJ on May 19, 2009 at 3:36 PM
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book”-Revelations 22:18
Good luck w/that burning of the Bible!
The thought of burning a Bible makes me sick to my stomach!!
christene on May 19, 2009 at 3:37 PM
They do it because Christians are being persecuted and they are providing a service so they be not wiped off the face of the earth fo eternity.
tomas on May 19, 2009 at 3:37 PM
ironic choice of profanity
battleoflepanto1571 on May 19, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Probably to send a message: hey, it was wrong, see how we correct the mistake without hesitation. Shipping the books back to the US would probably look more like: alright, didn’t work. let’s hope for better luck next time.
radiofreevillage on May 19, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Winning hearts and minds!
And whats wrong with winning
spirituality as well!!
If the Korans were burnt,Obama and
the ACLU would be investigating!!
I bet the Liberals have p#ssed them
selves over the videos!
Be ready for manufactured Lefty
outrage,I’m sure!!
canopfor on May 19, 2009 at 3:38 PM
mankai on May 19, 2009 at 3:39 PM
Are we teaching the Iraqi’s Pashtun now?
daesleeper on May 19, 2009 at 3:39 PM
We are Soldiers. Not politicians, not clergy, Soldiers. We attempt to provide security to the populace. We don’t proselytize to the populace. We are expected to kill, rebuild, secure and protect- sometimes all in the same day. If you have time to convert on the battlefield you are underemployed.
Trooper on May 19, 2009 at 3:39 PM
but don’t let them ever get caught burning a single Koran….
in essence this is part of the SoFA, and the Islamists are “correct”(from their PoV) to demand this because the Arabs are HUNGRY for Christ
sven10077 on May 19, 2009 at 3:40 PM
When I was at sea, I did not stop working on shabbat, I did not keep kosher and I was not able to fast on Yom Kippur. Why? Because it was not possible or practical while I did my job. I was a sailor first and a Jew second. G-d in his wisdom understands.
If Jesus wants these people to get the word, the actions and kindness of these soldiers can be a testament to the faith, the existence of the Pashto bibles shows an intent to proselytize that has no place in a war like this.
Squid Shark on May 19, 2009 at 3:40 PM
BTW I just dealt with the dumbest client in the universe
AAARRRGGGHHHH
sonofdy on May 19, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Jesuits wouldn’t be handing out Bibles… historically speaking… they’d be confiscating them.
mankai on May 19, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Well said!!
Squid Shark on May 19, 2009 at 3:41 PM
I object to the order because it does restrict. I can see the logic behind it. If deployed there I would obey it.
Its just anoying as hell.
sonofdy on May 19, 2009 at 3:42 PM
AND…
I think I get where you’re coming from.
Shep on May 19, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Jesuits have “historically speaking” been the first Christian missionaries damn near everywhere. Protestants were a little late to the party in that respect.
Squid Shark on May 19, 2009 at 3:42 PM
So our soldiers should be spreading the word of God while fighting overseas? Really?
Confiscating their Bibles and giving them to a church in the region would’ve been a better option. Burning a religious book causes outrage and condemnation….against the burners. People feel more like victims. That’s not particularly helpful.
amerpundit on May 19, 2009 at 3:42 PM
In 1812, President James Madison(Architect of the Constitution) signed a federal bill which economically aided the Bible Society of Philadelphia in its goal of the mass distribution of
the Bible.
“ An Act for the relief of the Bible Society of Philadelphia” Approved February 2, 1813 by Congress
On April 20, 1816, Congress also approved relief for the Baltimore and Massachusetts Bible Societies
jp on May 19, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Because Christianity alone is what prospers a society on all levels; darkness hates light. Agreed, it is sickening, but temporal.
Grafted on May 19, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Two cents… I’m all for evangelizing… but the “Great Commission” wasn’t given to all Christians… and it still isn’t in effect. Only the 12 (11) were instructed that way, yet they (save once) only went to Jews (for that was their calling).
mankai on May 19, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Another reason why in ten years we will look back on Afghanistan as a mistake.
Such a shame were sending our men to die in a war that we insist on fighting politically correct
blatantblue on May 19, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Heh, wonder why…
Upstater85 on May 19, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Doesn’t mean they weren’t confiscating Bibles.
mankai on May 19, 2009 at 3:44 PM
+1000000000
Agreed 100%
Upstater85 on May 19, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Gasp.
We wouldn’t want to share the gospel of love, redemption and salvation with any of the peace loving, human rights abiding, citizens of Afghanistan.
The spin on this piece is nauseating.
You-Eh-Vee on May 19, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Way to, screwing up the layout of Hot Air!
Akzed on May 19, 2009 at 3:44 PM
mankai on May 19, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Muslims are waging a Holy War,and some people are
b#tchin about the US Military handing out bibles,
its more Christian bashing as per usual!!
And lets get the facts straight,its the Muslims
who are forcing at gunpoint,sword,or suicide vest
in their conversions!!
canopfor on May 19, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Re-quoted, because thanks to our Secular Religion created by the Left in this country, many Americans today have no earthly idea how this nation was founded and what it has historically done.
jp on May 19, 2009 at 3:46 PM
So I guess libtards aren’t completely pro-choice…..
Speedwagon82 on May 19, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Well-said.
In other words, it was devoid of religion and faced falling into a Communist regime. That’s not Afghanistan. The Afghans aren’t without religion, they already have one. It’s also a very different time with a very different enemy.
amerpundit on May 19, 2009 at 3:46 PM
mankai on May 19, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Grafted on May 19, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Whose outrage? And how dangerous is it? Again, I don’t really have an opinion of my own on this. I was just guessing as to the motives of those who did it.
radiofreevillage on May 19, 2009 at 3:46 PM
How did we defeat Sovietism? I think we suggested a milder version and were careful not to offend them… /sarkoff
Upstater85 on May 19, 2009 at 3:46 PM
The if he thought that carpet seller was hungry for christ, he has clearly never bought anything over there. ME and Afgan Salesmen are always think that what you have to say is the most interesting thing in the world.
Squid Shark on May 19, 2009 at 3:46 PM
But if they wanna bugger one another, that’s another story, eh?
Akzed on May 19, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Gosh. Thanks, Dave.
I just received my own personal Canadian Human Rights Commission Tribunal. I’ll have to tell Mark Steyn.
kingsjester on May 19, 2009 at 3:46 PM
What the military, does in their spare time, is (was) up to them.
upcountrywater on May 19, 2009 at 3:47 PM
I guess that you’ve never heard of Paul.
Romans 11:13 – For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, …
OhEssYouCowboys on May 19, 2009 at 3:47 PM
OUCH!
Yeah, I wonder why they didn’t trust them…
Upstater85 on May 19, 2009 at 3:47 PM
If a culture is wiping out another…It is like handing out water and candy bars to chilren. It isn’t a conversion, but help to the needy. Touchy, but not a misuse.
We provide bibles to inmates at gauntan hilton.
tomas on May 19, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Shinto doesn’t apply?
Buddhism?
oh well
sven10077 on May 19, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Yes, on a domestic level in a mostly-Christian country. Not when you’re fighting Islamists in a Muslim land and need to win the propaganda war for the hearts and minds of the locals.
The outrage of many Christians. You may not see them burning cars, but that doesn’t mean they’re not outraged.
amerpundit on May 19, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Now the U.S. Military has upset the Pashto-God.
TheJoker on May 19, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Anyone who’s ever complained (rightfully so) about the bias of the MSM or about the liberal agendas at colleges and universities should understand why this is a horrible idea.
Trent1289 on May 19, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Hmmmm.
petunia on May 19, 2009 at 3:49 PM
So it will be a mistake because we didnt spread Jesus?
Squid Shark on May 19, 2009 at 3:49 PM
A refugee who converted in Germany was willing to get stoned to death rather than renounce, he is not alone.
The Christian has rendered a far better world for his tribe than the Wahabbi has for his.
sven10077 on May 19, 2009 at 3:49 PM
countdown until we see the AQ training camp ‘discussions’ about how to spread the word… 3.. 2.. 1.. /sarc
gatorboy on May 19, 2009 at 3:49 PM
No, because apparently we didn’t demand more individual liberties. We wouldn’t want to offend the local tyrants…
Upstater85 on May 19, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Shinto and Buddhism is pretty low grade religion compared to Islam and Christianity.
Squid Shark on May 19, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Sure, I’ve heard of him… now, could you show me where any of the 12 (the “apostles to the circumcision”) went to Gentiles (save Peter to Cornelius). And note that Paul had to be commissioned to Gentiles. He didn’t just have the “Great Commission” to go on. Also note, Paul ALWAYS went to the Jews first in the Book of Acts.
mankai on May 19, 2009 at 3:50 PM
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